MINISTER of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds praised the police for their work in detecting a facility manufacturing 3D guns but also said the police were frustrated at a case where drug-trafficking accused had skipped bail and left this jurisdiction. He was speaking with reporters on Tuesday at a conference held by the regional security network, Caribbean IMPACS, at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on Tuesday.
"Recently in TT we identified a 3D system and operator manufacturing weapons here.
"Prior to that, our focus would have been on the importation and distribution (of guns) in TT and the region.
"We now have living proof that people are manufacturing them here as well, so it's a work in progress. It's an ongoing activity. We have to keep our vigilance, together, and continue to work steadfastly on it and all the challenges that face us."
Reporters asked about the current state of crime in TT.
Hinds replied, "It is, as I have described it, quite burdensome, quite alarming, particularly for the individual families who would have experienced it, and it is something that continues to gain our attention. This is not altogether new for TT."
He said certain individuals had demonstrated the capacity to demonstrate very significant levels of violence .
"We believe that the presence and prevalence of illegal firearms exacerbates the situation and this is why the Government continues to focus on improving our techniques to reduce and restrict the importation of illegal firearms."
He said firearms in TT must be strictly regulated to avoid diversion and misuse.
"Within the last week and a half or two weeks, the police have reported finding substantial numbers of weapons around TT, reflecting their own focus on mopping up these illegal weapons in TT."
Reporters asked about the unearthing of the illegal manufacture of guns using 3D printers.
Hinds replied, "That investigation continues.
"The police - to their great credit - acting on intelligence received, had been monitoring certain circumstances around it for quite some time.
"I am aware that they did particularly good work to have landed them at that 3D manufacturing location.
"I am in a position to say there is strong reason for commendation, generally and in this particular case. I was more than pleased when they were able to get inside of that."
He said that investigation was now continuing.
A reporter cited the 3D plant, drugs washed ashore in Guayaguayare and the discovery of a meth lab South Trinidad to ask if Hinds could beef up resources to the police to do more. He cited the 3D printer and meth lab to reply, "Of course.
"Prior to that, last year, the police busted a ketamine manufacturing and distribution operation in Trincity."
However, he said police officers in that case had got very demoralised when the suspects got bail in court and then fled the country. Hinds said he did not know the situation of the owner of an illegal meth lab in south Trinidad, whom he had heard had got bail.
Criminal Bar Association
